Concert Review: Screaming Females

By Andrea Moor

Music Journalist

I was fortunate to have some spare time on Tuesday and catch up on work at my apartment, a place I haven’t been to much this year. After completing some tasks, I felt compelled to attend the Screaming Females concert at Paper Tiger, a venue I had yet to visit this year.

Heavy Comforter was the first act on the lineup, but their sound didn’t resonate with me. Interestingly, after seeing them perform live, I searched for their recorded tracks online and found that they sounded significantly better. It’s possible they were having an off night or that they’re simply not good at live shows. Nevertheless, the band can confidently claim that a decent crowd of dads enjoyed their performance.

Next up was Generación Suicida, a four-piece Spanish punk band that was more in line with my musical taste. They pride themselves on making “musica del barrio, para el barrio” and their performance was a closer match to the main act of the night, Screaming Females.

Hailing from New Jersey, this three-piece band was playing down south for the first time. They exuded a relaxed yet confident stage presence, with lead singer Marissa Paternoster’s exceptional guitar skills cutting through the noise and mesmerizing me with every move. Her vocals ranged from raw and gritty to hauntingly delicate, and her guitar solos were electrifying.

The band’s cohesion was equally impressive, with bassist King Mike providing a solid foundation and drummer Jarrett Dougherty keeping the beat driving and unpredictable. A gem in their craft, Dougherty slaughtered the crowd with their intensity. Together, they created a tight, explosive sound that was dynamic and exciting. They played a mix of singles from their various albums, including a few popular tracks such as “Ripe” from their 2015 album, Rose Mountain. They also included songs from their latest release, Desire Pathway, which came out earlier this year.

Marissa Paternoster’s acoustic solos were top highlights of the concert, showcasing her versatility as a musician and performer, and allowing her lyrics to shine. They gave it their all, resulting in a visceral experience. In the end, I left the concert feeling both relaxed and inspired, with my interest in the band piqued even though I didn’t know much about them beforehand.

Featured Image by Andrea Moor.